What do you do when you come across a...

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nurse whose breath smells of alcohol? I have only worked with her twice and both times she has smelled like alcohol.

I'm thinking that maybe she has a hangover or it's her medications. I don't want to get her in trouble when there is no trouble.

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Specializes in Family Practice, Urgent Care, Cardiac Ca.

The textbook answer from management practicum is:

If you suspect a coworker is intoxicated, do not approach them directly, nor converse with employees about your suspicions. instead, go to your clinical coordinator or nurse manager and request their presence on the unit immediately. Allow them to assess the situation.

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I don't agree. Gossip is Tacky Behavior and we have a whole class that is a day long about this. Take it to your Manager and tell her you would like to get involved in some class for this!!Good lcuk

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I would go in private to the supervisor of your floor. If you have more than one, pick the one that you feel you can trust the most and that is the most level headed. Tell her that you aren't making any accusations but that you smell an "alcohol type smell" on that particular nurse. Mention to her that if you can smell it maybe the patients and families can smell it too. It may not be alcohol, just an odor that smells like that. The supervisor can investigate and hopefully leave you out of this.

When I have had a problem like this with a co-worker I always give them the benefit of the doubt when I report it , but I do report it, without making accusations or drawing conclusions.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Nsg QA.

What is the policy in your facility? Otherwise, you should utilize the chain of command. I agree with Malem, giving the co-worker the benefit of doubt. Leave the conclusions to the supervisor.

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I'm just a volunteer, so I'm not all that familiar with the chain of command. Gosh, this is really nerve wracking for me.

thanks so much for all of the advice.

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Specializes in ER.

Remember that some mouthwashes contain alcohol. I would not report unless there were signs of intoxication.

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Specializes in Operating Room Nursing.
I don't agree. Gossip is Tacky Behavior and we have a whole class that is a day long about this. Take it to your Manager and tell her you would like to get involved in some class for this!!Good lcuk

I'm confused. What don't you agree with? The OP has asked for help, the post above yours says to go to management which is your advice too. No one has recommended gossiping with co-workers onthis thread.

I also advise going to management if you have any concerns.

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A co worker smelled like "old" alcohol at work a few times like she had tied one on the night before. I didn't say anything to her, but the next time I smelled it I went to Employee Health and reported it. I don't know what the outcome was but she was off work a few weeks as "ill" then came back to work.

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Hey OP, maybe it's gum. (Not kidding). Ask this person what kind of gum she's chewing. Also some hair products have a light alcohol smell - not talking about the old aerosol hairspray smell here, but kinda like a summer mixed tonic.

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Well, I'm not a "snitch" and I would not cost somebody their job especially if the smell turns out to not be alcohol. I would pull my fellow co-worker to the side and let them know politely about my suspicion and ask them if they're having any personal problems. I would also remind them to not let drinking interfere with their work. That's just what I would do I would hate to be the reason someone got fired especially if their performance is still good and they're not putting pt's at risk. :redpinkhe

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Specializes in CVICU, Obs/Gyn, Derm, NICU.
nurse whose breath smells of alcohol? I have only worked with her twice and both times she has smelled like alcohol.

I'm thinking that maybe she has a hangover or it's her medications. I don't want to get her in trouble when there is no trouble.

Are you sure?

Could be breath freshener spray, gargle, medication. She may have a sore throat and be using medication with an alcohol base.

Is she impaired? If so ...what aspects of her behaviour suggest impairment? Slurred speech? Alteration gait?

You mentioned that you are a volunteer. I don't think you are mandated to report this ...why are you thinking it's your responsibility to do this? A little over zealous perhaps

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